Story by Chad Waller, NAIA Director of Communications and Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – (Purchase Tickets) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that reserved and general admission tickets to the 80th annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship are now available. Fans can purchase them www.NAIAHoops.comor at Ticketmaster.com. New this year, fans can purchase day passes – reserved or general admission. Day passes will allow fans to watch as many as eight games each day with one single pass.

The historic event gets underway at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., March 15, 2017 with the first of 31 games tipping at 9 a.m. CST.

"We are excited about the fun, family-friendly and exciting game-day atmosphere that this historic National Championship offers all of our fans," said Mike Higgins, NAIA Championship Tournament Director. "We have made it more convenient for fans to purchase an all-day pass and see up to 8 games each day for one very affordable price. This event is a staple in the Kansas City community and we are proud to help make Kansas City the college basketball capital!"

The NAIA, title sponsor Buffalo Funds and the Heart of America Athletic Conference are excited to offer a family friendly atmosphere that includes non-stop basketball action, NAIA Champions of Character events and various promotions throughout the championship.

Also new this year, VIP courtside seating will be available for purchase. Fans will have the opportunity to sit courtside and be front and center for all the action that unfolds throughout the tournament. All-Tournament and single day passes will be available, along with VIP access to food and beverages.

For ticket and promotional information, go to www.NAIAHoops.com or call the NAIA at 816-595-8122. Further details about promotions and the Tip-Off Event on March 14 will be released in the future.

Ticket prices General Admission:

Free (kids ages 5 and under)

$5 students (ages 6 – 18) per day

$5 college students with college ID (19+) per day

$15 adults per day

$75 All-Tournament (31 games)

Reserved Seating:

$10 students (6-21) per day

$25 adults per day

$45 courtside VIP per day*

$100 All-Tournament (31 games):

$300 courtside VIP All-Tournament (31 games)*

*Courtside: sit down on the court, across from the teams on the west side. A VIP pass gets you into the courtside VIP area for lunch and dinner.